Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 30, 2025

1. Your Privacy Matters

I respect your privacy and am committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and safeguard information you share through my website: summerverhineslcsw.com.

2. Important: Contact Form Security

The contact form on this website is not a secure method for sharing sensitive health information. Do not include:

  • Details about symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment history

  • Information you would only share in a therapy setting

  • Social Security numbers, financial information, or other highly sensitive data

This form is for general inquiries only, such as asking about my services or scheduling a consultation. For secure communication after you become a client, I will provide HIPAA-compliant methods through my secure client portal.

In case of emergency: Do not use this website to request urgent help. If you are in crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911.

3. Information I Collect Through This Website

When you visit my website, I may collect:

Information you provide directly:

  • Name, email address, phone number, and any other details you voluntarily enter in the contact form

  • Subject line and message content from inquiries

Non-identifying information collected automatically:

  • Browser type and version

  • IP address

  • Pages visited and time spent on the site

  • Referring website

  • Device type (mobile, desktop, tablet)

Cookies and similar technologies:

  • Used to improve site functionality, remember preferences, and measure traffic (see section 4 below)

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

This website uses cookies to improve functionality and understand how visitors use the site.

Types of cookies used:

  • Essential cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly

  • Analytics cookies: Help me understand how visitors interact with my site (e.g., which pages are most viewed)

Third-party analytics:

  • This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymized data about site traffic and user behavior

Your choices: You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect some site functionality. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as described here.

Do Not Track Signals: Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" feature. This website does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals.

5. How I Use Website Information

I use the information collected from my website to:

  • Respond to your inquiries or scheduling requests

  • Improve the website's functionality, design, and user experience

  • Maintain records of correspondence

  • Monitor and analyze site traffic and usage patterns

  • Ensure website security and prevent misuse

  • Comply with legal requirements

I do not sell, rent, or share your personal information for marketing purposes.

6. Third-Party Services

My website uses the following third-party services that may have access to limited data:

  • Website hosting: Squarespace

  • Email services: Google Workspace (Gmail)

  • Analytics: Google Analytics

These providers may collect or process data necessary to perform their services but are contractually obligated not to use your information for other purposes. Each provider maintains its own privacy policy.

7. Data Retention

Website visitor information: Contact form submissions and email correspondence are retained only as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry or as required by law, typically no more than 3 years.

Analytics data: Website analytics data is retained according to the policies of the third-party service provider (typically 26 months for Google Analytics).

Client records: If you become a therapy client, your treatment records are maintained according to California law (minimum 7 years after termination) and my Notice of Privacy Practices, which is separate from this website policy.

8. Security Measures

I use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information, including:

  • Secure hosting infrastructure

  • Encrypted data transmission (SSL certificate)

  • Limited access to information

  • Regular security updates

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While I strive to protect your information, I cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your Privacy Rights (California Residents)

Under California law (CCPA/CPRA), you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information I have collected about you

  • Access your personal information

  • Correct inaccurate personal information

  • Delete your personal information (with certain legal exceptions)

  • Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information for targeted advertising (note: I do not sell or share personal data)

  • Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

How to exercise these rights: To make a request, please contact me:

I will respond to your request within 45 days. I may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

10. Health Information & HIPAA Compliance

If you become a therapy client, any information you share in the course of treatment—whether through telehealth sessions, secure messaging, or in documentation—is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and is protected under federal HIPAA law.

PHI will only be used for:

  • Your treatment

  • Payment and billing purposes

  • Healthcare operations

  • Reporting suspected abuse or neglect as required by law

  • Other purposes as required by law or authorized by you in writing

My full Notice of Privacy Practices (separate from this website policy) describes in detail how I handle PHI as a healthcare provider. You will receive a copy during the intake process, and you may request an additional copy at any time.

Important distinction: This website Privacy Policy applies to information collected through the public website. Once you become a client, the Notice of Privacy Practices governs how your health information is handled.

11. Children's Privacy

This website is not directed to children under 13 years of age. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website. If you believe a child has provided information through this site, please contact me immediately.

12. Links to Other Websites

This website may contain links to other websites for informational purposes (e.g., professional organizations, crisis resources). I am not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. I encourage you to review the privacy policies of any sites you visit.

13. International Visitors

This website is intended for visitors in California and the United States. If you are accessing this site from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your country.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. Any changes will be posted on this page with a new "Effective Date" at the top.

I encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Summer Verhines, LCSW
California License #68507
Email: sverhines.lcsw@gmail.com
Phone: 855-564-3338
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 28, Wilton, CA 95693